Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program empowers diverse women, trans women and non-binary individuals (women+) with the skills and confidence to pursue self-employment. Delivered over 8-10 weeks, you’ll experience free, virtual business training led by expert facilitators, group mentoring sessions enhanced by Rise Mentors, access to bespoke tools and resources, and the community-centric support of your women+ peers.
Whether you want to monetize a hobby, launch a side hustle or build a full-time enterprise, the Women+ Entrepreneurship Program is the place to start.
Eligibility:
Are 18 years of age or older
Identify as a cis woman, trans woman or non-binary individual
Self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
Have a practical idea to start or grow your own small business within the next 12 months (any size, full or part-time)
Program Benefits:
Feminist-forward business skills
Using a feminist lens, you will build practical business skills in areas such as cash flow, customer mapping and goal planning to build stronger, more responsive enterprises
Personal development and self-care
You will work in an inclusive, supportive environment where you can build confidence, practice communicating your personal and professional needs, and learn how to prioritize self-care
A community of support
You will connect with your peers, mentors and other experts in the women+ program community to exchange skills, opportunities and resources
Networking
You will meet like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to network with fellow program participants, mentors and other entrepreneurs and business professionals
Post-program support
As a graduate, you will receive up to $1,200 in products and services to launch and develop your business. You will also join the Rise alum community, where you can continue to access Rise resources and explore other options for ongoing support
Training Dates: July 15 to August 28th, 2024 || Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 8:30pm
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Are you a female newcomer with a business idea?
The Women’s Business Accelerator (WBA) is a free, online workshop series that will equip you with the tools you need to launch a profitable business in Canada.
Eligibility:
You have a business idea
Interested in starting a business in Canada
Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee with a Notice of Decision, a Ukrainian Temporary Resident or a Live-In Caregiver with a legal right to work in Canada
Program Benefits:
Develop your idea and craft a business plan
Receive coaching support to enhance your learning
Network with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals
Practice and refine your pitching skills
Compete in a pitch competition
Training Dates: July 2nd to July 25th, 2024 || Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm to 8pm
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Are you a female entrepreneur with a business plan ready to take your idea to the launch stage with coaching and access to funding?
This program offers you a combination of interactive workshops and coaching sessions providing practical tools to help you solidify your business plan and get you ready to launch or grow your business with confidence, leveraging small business loans through ACCESS and other programs. We know that women entrepreneurs face systemic barriers at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, this program is designed to alleviate those barriers at the early stages.
Eligibility:
Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees/Protected Persons with Notice of Decisions, Ukrainian Temporary Residents
Female founder with a written business plan
Ready to launch or launched a business for at least 3 months
Completed a foundational business training program or have an operational business
Program Benefits:
Practical tools to execute your business idea
A refined and solid business plan
Apply for a business loan, if required
Networking with other female entrepreneurs
Connection to business resources and support
Registration Deadline: Currently accepting participants for the Fall 2024 waitlist
Cost to Participate: Pricing is offered on a sliding scale - you choose the price point that works best for you.
We recognize that systemic marginalization means that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. We also understand the realities of running a business and that cost can be a barrier to participation.
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
E-Series is an intensive program for self-identifying women, non-binary & trans-femme entrepreneurs.
We know your needs shift as your stage of business evolves.
That's why E-series is thoughtfully designed for both early- and intermediate-stage business owners. It offers a deep dive into the skills and topics you’ll need to take your business to the next level.
Eligibility:
This program is designed for both early- and intermediate-stage businesses. You are eligible to register if you are a self-identifying women, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada; or an employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision maker.
This includes a woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business
This includes a woman who is in the planning stages for launching a business
You must also be a legal resident of Canada
Program Benefits:
6 days of live virtual seminars, breakout sessions, and community connects led by industry professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs
Program is delivered in English. French captions and French workbooks will be available
Digital workbook in English and French to help you move through the program
Replayable video recordings in English or with French captions
Optional 12 months of additional 1:1 mentorship upon graduation
Exclusive 2-month access connecting you with The Forum's community of experts for individual conversations addressing your specific business questions and challenges
Registration Deadline: N/A
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online self-directed
About the Program:
It’s time you had access to the financial knowledge you need to be wildly successful in business.
Because we promise you, access to the right people and information is the only thing stopping you from feeling comfortable managing your finances. Digestible. Focused. Developed by and for Real Entrepreneurs.
Consider our Financial Fundamentals course your access to a new, highly attainable skill set.
Eligibility:
This course is for self identified women entrepreneurs from anywhere in Canada, with any level of experience with business finances. Even if that level is none at all
Program Benefits:
Video Lessons
Every lesson is video based and supported by presentation decks, so you get a more dynamic, in-depth learning experience that feels attainable
Instant Lifetime Online Access
This course is available on-demand from wherever you are in the world and you'll have access to it for as long as you need
Exercises & Resources
The course includes exercises & resources for financial literacy, so you can immediately get to work applying these principles to your own business
Private Online Community
You get access to a private online community of women entrepreneurs that are also taking the course, so you can learn together
Self-Paced
Learn on your own schedule and fit lessons in when it makes sense for you. Complete the course in as little as 3 hours or go at your own pace and complete it in more time
Registration Deadline: N/A
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online self-directed
About the Program:
The Mental Health Resilience Program focuses on helping self-identifying woman entrepreneurs learn how to plan for adversity, pivot during challenging times, and develop a resilient, confident mindset when it comes to business ownership.
Eligibility:
This program is for all Canadian self-identifying woman entrepreneurs -- no matter their industry, size or stage. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or well established in your industry, there are lessons everyone can take away from this program and apply to their businesses
Program Benefits:
Event Replay on Thinkific
To kick things off we hosted a live virtual conversation called #Resiliencels with Jennifer Hollinshead, Peak Resilience, and Yamila Franco, Nyoka Design Lab, moderated by Paulina Cameron, The Forum
Self-Paced Video & Podcast Lessons
Every lesson is video or podcast based so you get a more dynamic, in depth learning experience that works with your busy schedule
Detailed Digital Workbook
Organize your thoughts and practice what you learn with an additional resource available to you to download or print
Bonus Financial Fundamentals Course
Continue your education with our free Financial Fundamentals course on day-to-day money management so you can invest in your future with confidence
Access to the Sharing Platform
In the spirit of practicing community as a verb, the WEKH/The Forum: Sharing Platform is a digital space to ask for what you need and to generously give of what you have, all while building relationships across the country
Training Dates: 2025 cohort dates not released yet
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
What if you could learn to read the story of your business, one number at a time? What if business finance was less of a mystery? How would that change the connection you have to your business, and shape the decisions you make and how you feel about them?
The Forum Business Finance Essentials presented by TD Bank Group will build your financial confidence and capabilities, and help you connect more deeply to your business financial well-being. The program has also been designed with acknowledgement of the systemic barriers faced by women, especially Black and Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Eligibility:
The program is designed for self-identified women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs. We especially invite people identifying as Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ to join
Program Benefits:
Live Experience & Mindset
Explore the role of lived experience in entrepreneurship and the influence our money mindset has on decision-making
Goal-Setting
Discuss the importance of aligning personal and entrepreneurial goals
Financial Storytelling
Investigate the dynamics of profit and the different stories it tells, and the role of financial statements and how they build a story
Cash & Solvency
Delve into how to turn profit into cash and keep your business profitable
Preparing for the Future
Determine how to prepare your business for the future with goals, projections, and budgets
Financing
Learn about the different types of financing for your business and how to assess what is right for you
Training Dates: Ongoing
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: Self-paced, online, and in-person
About the Program:
Ready To Start Your Business and Build the Foundation for a Successful Company?
Introducing the Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs in partnership with DMZ, a dynamic program designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds and industries. Gain the knowledge, skills, and resources to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, and tap into connections to mentors and a community that will help you propel your business forward.
Eligibility:
Aspiring and ideation-stage women entrepreneurs in any industry looking to launch and grow a successful business
Program Benefits:
Phase One: Setting the Stage
This phase is for you if you are just starting to think about entrepreneurship or have an early-stage business idea. Topics include:
Entrepreneurship 101
Leadership Essentials
Developing Problem Statements
Business Models
Customer Discovery
Goal Setting
Phase Two: Building your Foundation
This phase is for you if you have a business idea and have developed the basics of your product or service. Topics include:
Pitch Coaching
Legal 101
Finance Planning
Sales Funnel
Marketing Strategy
Go-To-Market Strategy
Training Dates: Starting September 11, 2024
Contact them for more information and how you can register.
About the Program:
The Let’s Start Up program is an innovative program in collaboration with YWCA Toronto who will provide concrete ways for women to develop their skills through training, individual coaching and financial aid.
In this way, women are making a fresh start towards long-term financial independence, through entrepreneurship, post-secondary studies or a reintegration into the job market.
Eligibility:
Women and gender diverse individuals aged 18 and over who are ready to take action to become financially independent
Program Benefits:
Develop your Professional Potential
8 weeks, 8 workshops, individual meetings
Professional assessment
Work on 18 essential skills
Putting into perspective the possible and realistic avenues to consider
Psychometric test
Get Into Action
10 weeks, 10 group workshops, individual coaching
Ideation and development of business plan
Certification from Concordia University
Coaching by entrepreneurship experts
Access to microloans: up to $10,000
Stay Engaged
Join the Let’s Start Up community: a dynamic group of women that promotes networking, the creation of solid ties and provides access to training on relevant professional issues (webinars, conferences and coffee chats)
Training Dates: Contact Futurepreneur for more information.
About the Program:
Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative will offer networking events, peer-supported communities and tailored workshops to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses with confidence.
Eligibility:
Women-owned and women-led businesses across Canada.
Program Benefits:
Through networking events, a strong peer-supported community, and expert-led workshops, participants will develop critical business skills in areas like financial management, marketing, access to capital, and international expansion. They’ll also gain access to coaching and valuable resources through both in-person and virtual connections.
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
YSBP is a bit like a beginner’s business school—but with a twist. Delivered online over 8-10 weeks, this isn’t your traditional lecture-style classroom course. It’s a flexible, participatory program founded on positive mental health practices that place you and your unique needs at the centre of your learning. Open to all levels of experience, YSBP uses a mix of facilitator-led lessons, group mentoring sessions, and collaborative peer support to help young people learn how to build a business, step by step. Best of all, you’ll graduate with a practical business plan and the skills to put it into action.
Eligibility:
16 - 29 years of age
Are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Program Benefits:
Business development
You will build practical skills in areas such as financial literacy, business registration, creating customer personas and pitching your ideas. You will also develop 30-, 60- and 90-day action plans to take your small business to the next level
Personal development
You will work in a supportive, mindful environment where you can build your confidence and work on how you communicate your business. Plus, you’ll have the chance to practice interpersonal skills and improve how you accept and deliver constructive feedback
Networking & mentorship
You will meet like-minded individuals and get guidance and support from Rise Mentors, who have real-world business experience to help you navigate challenges and bring your ideas to life
Financing
As a graduate you will be eligible for a $500 start-up grant
Training Dates: Every Saturday starting September 7th, 2024 to November 2nd, 2024
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Imagine how it would feel to build your own business and get paid to live out your dreams. Imagine having the freedom to do work that excites you and use your time as you wish.
Society tricks us into thinking that our ideas are too wild or that our dreams are unrealistic but we believe that with the right support you can make them happen.
YCEO is a free virtual business training with 8 live sessions that will help you either start a business or start making consistent sales in your existing business.
Eligibility:
Have a business idea and need help getting started or already have a business but need help making consistent sales
Are aged between 18 to 34
Live in Canada and are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Temporary Resident (Funding programs are only available for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents)
Have a personal net income of less than $35,000 per year
Program Benefits:
Practical business training from a seasoned entrepreneur
Peer mentorship to help you take action and manage self-doubt
Guidance on how to secure funding even after you graduate the program
A chance to win a $1,000 business grant (Note: this opportunity is only available to graduates who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
A chance to receive up to $1,000 towards professional development
Training Dates: Ongoing
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Youth for Entrepreneurship (Y4E), is a National Program providing awareness to youth ages 15 to 24 who are interested in entrepreneurship. The program is offered across 3 provinces — Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick — with a francophone component in New Brunswick. Y4E will support youth in learning facts, digital skills and practical ways to start their business journey!
Eligibility:
Youth ages 15 to 24 who are interested in entrepreneurship
Program Benefits:
Youth entrepreneurship foundational topics
Youth entrepreneurship opportunities
Digital literacy for youth entrepreneurs
Financial know how for youth entrepreneurs
Marketing and social media